Names - Persian
Persians of the nineteenth century did not use surnames. Men were given proper names, such as Muhammad, Husayn, or Ibrahim, and often more then one -- Muhammad-'Ali, or Rida-Quli. Many times the second name was one of the ninety-nine Most Beauteous Names of God, from the Qur'án. For example, 'Abdu'r-Rahim [Servant of the All-Merciful].To distinguish one individual from another, titles and descriptions would be added to the given name. Haji Muhammad-Hasan Isfahani, for example, would indicate the man from Isfahan named Muhammad-Hasan who had made the pilgrimage to Mecca; Ustad Mahmud Banna would designate the Mahmud who was the master builder; and so forth.The following are a few of the many titles and description added to Persian names:Aqa: Sir, mister. General term of respect.Darvish: A Muslim mystic. Often a wandering, mendicant ascetic whotraditionally carries an ax and a begging bowl (kashkul).Haji: One who had made the Muslim pilgrimage.Kashi: Someone from KashanMirza: A general term of respect which usually indicates that the onedesignated is literate. Used after the name it indicates a prince. 134Mulla: A Muslim priest.Shaykh: An elder; a chief; a professor; or the head of a dervish order.Siyyid: A descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.Ustad: A master craftsman.
- Ustad Muhammad-'Aliy-i Salmani, My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 134-135
Quote of the Day
Idal 13 Mulk 182 B.E.
The Research Department has not been able to locate any Bahá’í texts which relate to whether or not a believer is relieved of the duty of reciting the Greatest Name or of reading the Writings in the morning and evening on account of ill health. In the absence of such guidance, Mr. ___ is free to make his own decisions in these matters.
Universal House of Justice – at http://www.bahai-library.com/zamir/oblig.html